Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Dawn Cortes

Rome,GA

Summary

Dynamic Phlebotomy Float III at Quest Diagnostics with 35 years of experience and a proven track record in enhancing patient satisfaction and operational efficiency. Expert in venipuncture and adept at problem-solving, I foster strong team collaboration while ensuring strict adherence to HIPAA compliance. Recognized for reducing patient anxiety and training new technicians to uphold best practices.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Phlebotomy Float III

Quest Diagnostics
06.2019 - Current
  • Improved patient satisfaction by providing efficient, accurate, and timely blood draws.
  • Continuously met and exceeded performance metrics within the department, setting an example for others in terms of accuracy and efficiency.
  • Exhibited resourcefulness when faced with challenging situations, utilizing problem-solving skills as needed to maintain a high standard of care.
  • Reduced patient anxiety by using effective communication skills and demonstrating empathy during blood draws.
  • Maintained a high level of accuracy in identifying patients and matching them with their corresponding lab orders.
  • Demonstrated commitment to patient confidentiality by upholding strict adherence to HIPAA regulations during all interactions and documentation processes.
  • Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
  • Drew blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
  • Ensured patient safety by adhering to strict infection control protocols during all phlebotomy procedures.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering strong relationships with both colleagues and patients.
  • Packaged and shipped specimens to central lab daily.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to patients from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a comfortable experience for all individuals encountered during blood draws.
  • Collaborated with clinical staff to ensure appropriate specimen collection for various diagnostic tests.
  • Assisted in training new Phlebotomy Technicians on best practices, contributing to a skilled workforce.

Phlebotomy Site Lead

Quest Diagnostics
04.2016 - 06.2019
  • Improved site efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and procedures.
  • Resolved conflicts among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
  • Monitored inventory levels, ordering supplies as needed to minimize downtime due to shortages.
  • Established strong relationships with clients, leading to repeat business and increased referrals.
  • Maintained records and logs of work performed and materials and equipment used.

Phlebotomist Technician II

Quest Diagnostics
12.2013 - 04.2016
  • Reduced patient anxiety through compassionate communication and expert venipuncture techniques.
  • Spoke with patient to gather information for lab records, reduce fear, or anxiety and optimize cooperation.
  • Continuously updated phlebotomy knowledge through professional development courses, ensuring best practices were upheld.
  • Upheld HIPAA compliance through careful management of confidential patient records and lab results.
  • Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
  • Minimized patient discomfort during blood draws by utilizing proper tourniquet application, needle selection, and insertion techniques.
  • Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
  • Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
  • Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
  • Achieved successful venipunctures even in challenging situations such as pediatric or geriatric patients with difficult veins.

Medical Lab Assistant/Laboratory Phlebotomist

North West Georgia Internal Medicine
06.2005 - 12.2013
  • Optimized inventory management systems for necessary supplies, preventing shortages or delays in testing capabilities.
  • Reduced errors in sample analysis with thorough quality control checks, ensuring accurate test results for patients.
  • Assisted physicians in diagnosing illnesses accurately by providing precise test results from a variety of complex laboratory analyses.
  • Performed routine maintenance on lab equipment to ensure optimal functionality, minimizing downtime due to technical issues.
  • Expedited critical test results by prioritizing samples based on urgency, significantly reducing turnaround times for emergency cases.
  • Followed safety protocols to maintain safe and secure laboratory environment.
  • Maintained confidentiality of all patient information to conform to HIPAA, internal, and other regulatory standards.
  • Utilized various medical laboratory equipment to conduct tests and analyses.
  • Participated in laboratory audits and assessments to maintain compliance and improve results.
  • Collect blood and tissue samples with focus on accuracy and adherence to aseptic techniques.

Medical Assistant

Foot and Ankle Associates of Maine
06.2001 - 05.2005
  • Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
  • Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
  • Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared for physician examinations.
  • Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing and scanning documents.
  • Facilitated seamless patient care with thorough and accurate documentation of medical histories, vital signs, and medications.
  • Assisted physicians with minor surgeries, including preparing operating room and sterilizing instruments.
  • Performed phlebotomy tasks efficiently while ensuring minimal discomfort for patients during blood collection procedures.

Medical Assistant

Dr. Kenneth Morrison MD
05.1998 - 07.2001
  • Supported patient well-being, providing empathetic care and addressing concerns with sensitivity.
  • Assisted in minor surgical procedures, ensuring sterile environment and patient comfort.
  • Assisted with billing and coding processes, ensuring accurate insurance claims and patient invoicing.
  • Conducted patient follow-up calls to monitor treatment progress and answer any questions.
  • Performed EKGs and other diagnostic tests, contributing to accurate and timely diagnoses.
  • Administered medications and injections as prescribed, adhering strictly to protocols for patient safety.
  • Enhanced patient care by meticulously recording vital signs and updating patient records.
  • Conducted routine laboratory tests to assist in diagnosis and treatment of conditions.
  • Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.

Phlebotomy Specialist

Smith Kline Beecham Laboratories
05.1993 - 05.1998
  • Updated patient records accurately, contributing to better overall continuity of care for each individual.
  • Reduced patient wait times by implementing an effective patient flow system within the lab.
  • Streamlined the phlebotomy process for improved turnaround times and increased productivity.
  • Performed venipuncture using various techniques including straight needle, butterfly needle, syringe methods to accommodate diverse patient needs.
  • Reviewed and processed requisitions for laboratory tests.
  • Monitored supply levels and placed orders for laboratory supplies.
  • Validated blood and specimen collection orders, alerting nurses, or physicians of discrepancies between order and nursing station logs.
  • Participated in quality assurance and competency assessment initiatives.

Education

Phlebotomy Technician - Phlebotomy

Clover Park Technical College
Lakewood, WA
05-1993

Certified Nursing Assistant - CNA

Bremerton Convalescent Center
Bremerton, WA
03-1990

High School Diploma -

South Kitsap High School
Port Orchard, WA
06-1989

Skills

  • Venipuncture
  • Adaptable problem-solving
  • Sample and specimen collection
  • Team leadership
  • Employee training and development
  • Medical terminology
  • Inventory control management
  • Phlebotomy procedure development
  • Specimen collection techniques
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Infection control procedures
  • Patient care management
  • HIPAA compliance
  • Specimen handling
  • Data entry
  • Quality control
  • Quality assurance
  • Venipuncture and capillary puncture
  • Customer service
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Reliability
  • Organizational skills
  • Active listening
  • Phlebotomy technician (PT)

Certification

  • PT - Phlebotomy Technician Certified
  • BLS Certification
  • QVP
  • QIDC Mentoring
  • McKinsey Leadership Program

Timeline

Phlebotomy Float III

Quest Diagnostics
06.2019 - Current

Phlebotomy Site Lead

Quest Diagnostics
04.2016 - 06.2019

Phlebotomist Technician II

Quest Diagnostics
12.2013 - 04.2016

Medical Lab Assistant/Laboratory Phlebotomist

North West Georgia Internal Medicine
06.2005 - 12.2013

Medical Assistant

Foot and Ankle Associates of Maine
06.2001 - 05.2005

Medical Assistant

Dr. Kenneth Morrison MD
05.1998 - 07.2001

Phlebotomy Specialist

Smith Kline Beecham Laboratories
05.1993 - 05.1998

Phlebotomy Technician - Phlebotomy

Clover Park Technical College

Certified Nursing Assistant - CNA

Bremerton Convalescent Center

High School Diploma -

South Kitsap High School

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Dawn Cortes